Tom Durkin to retire August 31st

[Benny]

Originally Posted by pointman

Durkin is all class. He is the only announcer IMO whose calls sound natural as opposed to canned or forced. The best that there is, he is an irreplaceable legend who will be sorely missed.

Totally agree with you here. Tom Durkin made racing come alive with his story telling of each race as it unfolded. His knowing eye and vocaculary told a story for each race he calls. He never sinks to the commonplace, as more race callers are wont to do now adays, naming each horse entering the gate,nor rely on trite, well worn phrases which are repeated time and again. He is always fresh and unique in his calling with feeling and excitement,z in telling the story of the race he is calling with his excellent vocabulary and well turned phrase. I will really miss hm, much like I miss Harvey Pack. They both are icons of NY racing, simply irreplaceable.